Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay in Pierre, SD: $27.42 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a athletic trainer working in Pierre, SD runs $27.42 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $57,034 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Weighted against Pierre's regional price level (BEA RPP 92.8, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $29.55 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $34,225 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Pierre, South Dakota, athletic trainers earn a median hourly rate of $27.42, which is notably lower than the national median of $31.45. This discrepancy reflects both local market conditions and the cost of living, where the cost index sits at 92.8, below the national average. For those in part-time positions, especially those working three days a week, this hourly pay translates to a modest income that might not fully account for the flexible hours such roles offer. Part-time athletic trainers often fill essential positions in various settings, including high school training rooms and college athletic facilities. With an hourly pay range that stretches from $21.40 for entry-level positions to $37.26 for more experienced trainers, the profession accommodates varying career stages and expertise levels—yet many specialists opt for other avenues like per diem roles that can provide lucrative one-time opportunities.
About the Pierre Market
Salary estimated from South Dakota average ($50,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $21.40 | $171.17 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $25.63 | $205.07 |
| Median (P50) | $27.42 | $219.39 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $32.26 | $258.06 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $37.26 | $298.07 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Pierre
Based on $27.42/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $27.42/hr, a athletic trainer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Pierre, SD can expect to earn approximately $57,041 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $32,908. With a cost-of-living index of 92.80 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Pierre.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Pierre
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,096.94 | $4,753 | $57,041 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $658.16 | $2,852 | $34,225 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $438.78 | $1,901 | $22,816 |
Compare AT, ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Athletic Trainer (Pierre) | $27.42 |
| Physical Therapist Assistant (National Avg) | $31.26 |
| Exercise Physiologist (National Avg) | $26.75 |
| Physical Therapist (National Avg) | $48.65 |
| Recreational Therapist (National Avg) | $27.50 |
Athletic Trainers in Pierre, SD earn a median of $57,034 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.81% lower than the national median of $65,415 and 6.00% below the South Dakota state average of $60,674.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $27.42/hr = $34,225/year (purchasing power: $36,880).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $57,041/year (purchasing power: $61,467).
CoL index: 92.8 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$20.31/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$26.21/hr
2026 Current Est.
$27.42/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Pierre (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $20.31/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $20.90/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $20.30/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $22.57/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $24.29/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $20.96/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $26.21/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $27.42/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $28.69/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for athletic trainers in Pierre grew 29.1% from $20.31/hr (2019) to $26.21/hr (2025). At a 4.63% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $28.69/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem athletic trainers can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Pierre metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 4.63% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Working as an Hourly Athletic Trainer in Pierre
Analyzing the earnings potential for athletic trainers in Pierre reveals distinct options depending on the setting of employment. Trainers working three days a week, totaling about 24 hours, typically earn around $34,095 annually, a figure significantly lower than that of full-time professionals. Conversely, per-diem athletic trainers often see substantial event-specific pay, ranging from $200 to $500 per game. Industrial settings, such as those at Toyota or FedEx, tend to offer hourly rates of $50-$80, attracting professionals looking for higher income. Across colleges and universities, seasonal or playoff events can lead to stipends ranging from $200 to $1,000, illustrating the diverse earning potentials. However, some trainers may choose roles with slightly lower hourly rates in exchange for benefits like health insurance. When negotiating pay, it's crucial for athletic trainers in Pierre to emphasize their qualifications and prior experience to leverage better hourly rates, especially as the demand for well-trained professionals continues to grow, with a projected growth rate of 4.63% in the coming years.
More salary data for Pierre, SD:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Jordan Lee, MS, ATC
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has over 10 years of experience in athletic training. She specializes in injury prevention and rehabilitation. She has worked at several high schools and collegiate athletic programs.
Methodology & Data Source
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 4.63% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for athletic trainers in Pierre. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Pierre is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.63%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for athletic trainers (SOC 29-9091).
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, MS, ATC, a licensed athletic trainer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov